Evolution of Our Solar System

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The Evolution of Our Solar System was conceived by the late Dr. Graham Ryder as a teaching tool for gifted and talented students in the Clear Creek Independent School District, Houston, TX.

Our understanding of the evolution of our solar system changes constantly as new tools and new research expands and deepens our knowledge. The Evolution of Our Solar System represents our best understanding at present; new theories and new ideas undoubtedly will arise and replace the information presented. The Evolution of Our Solar System is drawn from multiple disciplines, and every event is the product of years of research by numerous scientists. The statements made, and the placements in time of those statements, do not always reflect the ongoing scientific debates, but rather reflect the broad consensus at this time. The information was last updated in February 2018.

The timescale used to mark geologic eons, eras, and periods is the Geologic Time Scale published by the Geological Society of America.

Scientific Contributions and Review

Dr. David BlackLunar and Planetary Institute

Dr. Stephen CliffordLunar and Planetary Institute

Dr. Timmons EricksonLunar and Planetary Institute (2018)

Dr. Joseph HahnSt. Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ms. Tracy JohnsonBaylor University (2018)

Dr. Walter KieferLunar and Planetary Institute

Dr. David KringLunar and Planetary Institute (2018)

Dr. John LindsayLunar and Planetary Institute

Dr. Tomasz StepinskiLunar and Planetary Institute

Dr. Steve LiuLunar and Planetary Institute (2018)

Dr. Patrick McGovernLunar and Planetary Institute

Dr. Julie MosesLunar and Planetary Institute

Dr. Louise ProckterLunar and Planetary Institute (2018)

Dr. Katie RobinsonLunar and Planetary Institute (2018)

Dr. Graham RyderLunar and Planetary Institute

Dr. Martin SchmiederLunar and Planetary Institute (2018)

Dr. Paul SpudisApplied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University

Dr. Allan TreimanLunar and Planetary Institute

Special thanks are extended to Dr. Richard Alley, Evan Pugh Professor of Geosciences at the Pennsylvania State University, and Dr. Kevin Burke, Department of Geosciences at the University of Houston, for careful reviews of the content and presentation. Ms. Renée Dotson kindly reviewed the text for clarity and correctness.

Image Credits

Ms. Ronna Hurd, Ms. Leanne Woolley and Mr. John Blackwell created the illustrations and designed the layout of artwork displayed in the Evolution of Our Solar System. Unless otherwise specified in the image gallery, all images are the original designs of these artists, and are the property of the Lunar and Planetary Institute.